Hear This: Top music picks

Italian singer-songwriter-pianist Raphael Gualazzi apparently figures he's coming a long way to play shows in Vermont, so he might as well schedule a good half-dozen while he's here. That mini-tour includes a set at 8 tonight at ArtsRiot in Burlington, where he'll perform with Vermont musicians John Rivers (bass), Gabe Jarrett (drums) and Steve Ferraris (percussion). $15. 540-0406, www.artsriot.com.

Critically acclaimed rocker comes to South Burlington

Strand of Oaks(Photo: COURTESY)

The band Strand of Oaks is really a guy (Tim Showalter) whose new album "Heal" was called "a rock 'n' roll masterpiece" by The Onion's musical offshoot The A.V. Club. Also on the bill for Strand of Oaks' show at 9 p.m. Friday at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge in South Burlington is the unique voice of Arkansas native Christopher Denny. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. 652-0777, www.highergroundmusic.com.

California-based musicians perform in Winooski

Dia and Tim Carr(Photo: COURTESY)

California musician Tim Carr creates sounds merging African and French influences with an old-school pop sensibility. Los Angeles-based Dia dips into old sounds as well and colors them with her operatic vocals. They'll play at The Monkey House in Winooski at 8:30 p.m. Monday. Free for ages 21 and over, $5 for ages 18-20. 655-4563, www.monkeyhousevt.com.

The blues come to Stowe

Bob Stannard(Photo: COURTESY)

Vermont blues musician "Downtown" Bob Stannard and his band Those Dangerous Bluesman perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center as part of the Stowe venue's "Peak VTartists" series. They'll be joined by piano player David Maxwell. $20-$33. 760-4634, www.sprucepeakarts.org.